Finding Unexplored Tool and/or Learning Opportunities

How do you reverse sew?

Do you ever wonder about tools that you may have never played with?  Or do you have insights on tools that  you think others may not be aware of? Either way,  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

For now, I want to share with you insights on a tool that I have heard about, for awhile, but haven't had a reason to play with until recently.

I've know other quilters who love using a mustache trimmer to help with seam ripping (aka reverse sewing).  I was just happy to continue to use my trusty seam ripper, when I needed it.  But recently I attended  a machine embroidery class, by Joan McKenna.   Joan was sharing various tools that she liked and when she shared that she uses a mustache trimmer for machine embroidery, I knew I had a good test case. 

I was recently recruited to make 25 aprons for volunteers to wear at a fundraiser.   While I"m embarrassed to admit that I machine embroidered "two" aprons on the wrong side, I feel it is important to share insights on tools that I learned help to "reverse" machine embroider these aprons.

Joan McKenna let me test her mustache trimmer to reverse stich my machine embroidery on an apron.  While I found I needed to periodically use my traditional seam ripper and small embroidery scissors, to help pull threads on on each side of my apron, I found that using the mustache trimmer to shave off threads on both sides of the apron really helped to remove the very dense machine embroidery stitching and not damage the apron material. 

This tool worked so well I was able to re-stitchout the embroidery design, on the correct side of the apron, and it is difficult to tell that there was ever a problem.

My conclusion:  Having a mustache trimmer is truly a great tool for quilting, machine embroidery and sewing enthusiasts.  Yes, a traditional seam ripper is a great tool....but a mustache trimmer really, really, really helps to expedite the painful process of ripping out threads.  I've also concluded that this learning experience is another reason why it is good to take classes.  There is always something to learn!

For those in the San Diego County area, I want to share insights on some new classes when Joan McKenna is teaching in the SD Adult Ed program.

MACHINE EMBROIDERY MADE EASY:  Thursdays, 1:30-5:30pm, West City Campus, Nov 6th 2009 - January 22nd - 2010. Joan also has new classes starting for Basic Sewing and Pattern Making. For more info on Joan's classes chec out  http://www.sewnproductsdiva.blogspot.com/  or contact Joan McKenna directly via email mckenna@gothere.com or call her at  619-388-4955

If you are interested in reading my prior posts on Joan McKenna,  click here. 

Google Reader

Google Reader is a great tool for those that like to follow various blogs.  While bookmarking websites in your favorites is helpful, Google Reader is a step above, in that it helps to show you which blogs have been updated since the last time you have visited them.  Thus, you know which ones you want to visit vs going thru every site, you may have previously bookmarked in your favorites.

To use, simply go to www.google.com/reader
If you do not have a Google Account you may need to register.  But once you are registered with Google, you'll have many benefits, including using Google Reader for free!

Google Reader refers to the blogsites you enjoy reading as your "subscription".  To add blogsites to your Google Reader account, simply click on the "Add Subscriptions" button on the top left of the page.
 
 

 

After clicking on the "Add a Subscription" button a box will appear underneath.  You simply need to type in the site of the blog that you like to follow (or copy/paste the site address).   And then click on the "Add" button.  This one time step will add your favorite blogsites to your Google Reader account.

If you don't have any, here are a few sites you may wish to add:

http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com/

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

http://ihaveanotion.blogspot.com/

http://www.sewcindy.blogspot.com/

http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/blog

http://bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com/

http://stegart.blogspot.com/

I could provide a lot more, but thought I'd stop at ten.  But in the future, I'll share more insights on other blogs that I follow, if you are interested {just let me know}.

Once you begin using Google Reader, over time, you'll see the list of blogs that you follow (under subscriptions) will be greyed out if you have read the most current post and black if there is a post you have not yet read.  To read that post, you simply need to click on the black (under subscriptions) for the post you wish to read.

You can read the blog via google reader, or you can double click on article title and a new window will open up where you can enlarge to a full window, to view the blogsite you wish to read. 

Google Reader will also allow you to organize your subscriptions via Folders, but I'll share insights about that at another time {if you let me know you are interested}.  And, you can use Google Reader via your  your I-phone....but I don't have an I-phone.

For those of you not yet using Google Reader, I hope you'll give it a try.  If you have any questions or recommendations, please let me know.  And, if you are interested in learning more about Google Reader folders, let me know if you want me to post insights on setting up folders in the future.

Oh, and when you do visit blogs remember that at the end of each post is a comments button.  Feel free to post your comments whenever you visit a blog.  Bloggers love to hear from their readers!

Checklist of items to bring to a retreat, class, workshop

In a recent issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, I enjoyed reading insights from Pokey Bolton on how she packed for vacations and managed to find room in her luggage to take a project with her on vacation. This was a very insightful article in the July/August ’09 issue.

With airline luggage restrictions I always find it stressful packing for any trip that requires air travel. While I still get stressed packing a "car" to go to a retreat, workshop or sew-cial, the level of stress is definitely minimized, when I drive my own car (I feel as if I can bring more, when I take my own car).. It would even be better if I had a BIG SUV, but I keep reminding myself my car lets me pack more than I can take on an airline.

I wish I could be as organized and creative as Pokey. While I promise to strive to be more organized (and creative), I have found that having a checklist to help me pack for a quilt retreat, sew-cial, or workshop is an absolute must.

I continually refine this list, based on feedback from friends, such as Rosie Gonzales (Rosie’s Calico Cupboard), a new quilter, Beth Nidzieko, and so many other friends that have helped to coach me on being more organized. With luck, I’ll someday arrive and have everything I need. While my checklist may not be perfect, I thought it is fairly inclusive and worthy of sharing. If you do have any suggestions, I hope you will share with me.

I recognize I still need to improve on my organizational skills, and always appreciate hearing insights from others.

Here is my checklist that has been created with inputs from others, and I'll continue to update based on feedback.

SewCalGal’s Checklist
of items to bring to a quilt retreat, workshop, or sew-cial:




Any supplies recommended by the instructor of the retreat, workshop or host of the sew-cial.

Sewing Machine
• Sewing machine - clean and in good working order. If you are uncertain, have it serviced by a qualified technician well ahead of the event.
• ¼” foot and any additional feet, appropriate
• Appropriate power & foot peddles
• Attachments: light, magnifier, etc.
• Sewing machine extension table
• Extra sewing machine needles
• Pre-wound bobbins (when you can) or extra empty bobbins

Iron & accessories
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Teflon ironing sheet
• Spray Starch (non-scented)

Snacks:
• Beer, wine?
• Cheese & crackers?
• Sweets: Candy, cookies, cakes?
• Healthy: Yogurt, Fruit, granola?
• Bottled Water, soft drinks, lemonade


Storage & Organization
• Snapware storage products to help organize and store your tools, supplies, and quilt blocks.
• Ziplock bags – multiple sizes
• 3M sticky pads or “Tag A Quilt”
Sewing extras:
• Glue stick
• Bobbin winder

Basic Sewing Supplies
• Neutral threads: 100% Cotton threads of color that will support your project, or a mix of light grey, blue, white/tan, dark, if you are uncertain of fabric color
• Scissors – small and large
• Rotary cutter – 45 mm and extra blades
• Rulers: 6.5” x 24"; 6 or 6.5 " square; 12.5" square; 96L triangle; June Taylor strip cutter; extra long ruler;
• Cutting mat (18x24)
• Pins - long, fine straight pins
• Seam ripper
• Fabric marking pencils - for light and dark fabrics (Slimline)

Documentation tools:
• Notepad/notebook
• Pen/pencil
• Camera, extra batteries, battery charger, extra memory cards.


ATC Cards/Artist Trading Cards
• Do you like to trade hand made cards?
• Or do you like to exchange personal business cards?

If this is something you are interested in, you may want to bring some cards to share with those you meet. If you are not familiar with these delightful cards, check out the book "1,000 Artist Trading Cards", by Pokey Bolton.

Misc:
• Extension cords
• Surge protector
• Additional task lighting

Personal Comfort:
• iPod, if you like to listen to music
• Reading glasses
• Chair cushion
• Comfy shoes (especially for any day that you’ll be doing a lot of standing), socks or slippers, light jacket or sweater if the A/C is too high
• Empowered purse: Money, charge cards.
• Travel directions
• Copy of your receipt, if pre-paid, and lodging reservation


LEAVE AT HOME:
• Perfume - Many people are allergic to scents and perfumes; many others do not enjoy a mix of different perfumes in an enclosed area!
• Boombox
• Hotel and retreat contact info for your loved ones, in case cell phone coverage is poor inside the room.
• Worries and cares – you’ve gone quilting!


www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
email: SewCalGal@live.com

Copies of my official checklist, with a checklist format, is shown below. If you want to use this format you should be able to double click on each image and then print a copy.


























































Please do email me if you have any additional items you'd include in a checklist.

SewCalGal@live.com




And, like my friend Beth recommends, leave your troubles at home and enjoy your retreat, workshop or sew-cial.

Boat & Sewing

"Boating & Sewing" may seem like an unusual title, but for me it is something I do. We are currently heading out for a couple of weeks of summer boating, so I thought this might be an appropriate time to chat a little bit about sewing on a boat.

Last summer we spent four months boating in SE Alaska. Our boat is a perfect size boat for two people, but small when it comes to living on it for four months and doing extended cruising. But then, there are those that go around the world in boats smaller than ours. Our boat is a 34' Wilbur, a lobster hull from Maine. I love our boat, but the size certainly limits what type of projects I can bring on board. I primarily work on hand quilting projects. For our short boating trip this summer, I've brought an english paper piecing project with me.

Our first stop on this trip is in Dana Point, which is where we are now. Tomorrow we'll arrive in Long Beach, where I'll get to go to the International Quilt Show for a couple of days. Afterwards, we'll spend a time on our boat in Catalina, where we'll do some scuba diving and I'll find time quilting and reading. During this time I'll only post every couple of days, as my access to the internet will be limited.

Back to life on a boat.....

In our little boat we sleep in a bed that called a "V-berth". The head of the bed is slightly larger than a king size bed and the foot of the bed is about the size of a twin. As you can probably imagine, regular sheets and blankets don't work really that well on this shape of a bed. There are companies that specialize in making customized linens, but I prefer to create something on my own. My challenge is I've only heard about customized linens and have never seen them, nor seen a pattern. While I've tried several things, over the years, what I created last year seems to work quite well.

I took a king size mattress pad and cut the corners off of one side and sewed them to the other end to match the size of our mattress. Then, I sewed two flat sheets together at the foot. On the bottom side of one of the sheets I sewed fabric to create a pocket for the foot of the mattress pad and each of the corners at the head of the mattress pad. I now can quickly tuck the mattress pad into these pockets to hold the sheets down. You see, a V-berth bed isn't designed to make it easy to tuck in regular sheets and have them stay there. I can also now roll up my mattress pad and sheets quickly, if we need to get into the storage locker under the V-berth bed.
































Just before we headed out on our cruising last summer I decided to make a quilt for our bed. I used the split 9 patch design and used scraps from my stash. I didn't have enough time to have a long arm quilter quilt it for me, so I did some wide meandering to quilt it. It isn't a beautiful quilt, but it really kept us warm while we cruised in SE Alaska last summer.

















I'd like to make another quilt for the boat, but I'll definitely take more time planning it and trying to focus less on functionality and more on creativity. Still, we do enjoy having this quilt on board with us.

Danemco, LLC

My perspective on "Sew-economics" is that we have world wide economic challenges, which includes economic challenges within areas we enjoy: quilting, embroidery, and sewing. Many of us may find we no longer have the funds to buy supplies or market our products, as well as many stores that we may buy are products from are also suffering from this economic slump. I can’t say I have the answers for how these problems are going to be resolved, but I have found something that I want to share and believe it can help many businesses, as well as those thinking of pursuing home based business and selling products over the internet.

I believe that not only in good times, but in bad, having good communication tools for stores to stay in touch with customers, attract new customers and sell their products, are all requirements for a business to stay in business. So, while today’s insight may focus on the business owner, it also provides insights tha may help some of us that may be considering selling our creations over the internet. And, I also being aware of this may just come in handy when you chat with your local quilt store owner, long armer, or related business {you may want to share this insight with them}.

Before I go further, I want to clarify that I have a background with a major computer manufacturer and have some experience with internet communications & sales. Thus, when I found a company that focuses on web related services for quilt stores, long arm quilters, quilt professionals, quilt guilds, and suppliers I was very excited. And, when I investigated further, I realized that I wanted to help spread the world about this company. Personally, I think they are wonderful and they also have a long-term customer base that shares my opinion.

Danemco provides many services including, but not limited to website development & support, newsletter system and many others. But one that I find to be perfect for many quilt stores and home based businesses, is Danemco’s E-commerce system that helps to increase sales and they call this software “Danemco Shop”. Danemco Shop is a slick software package that allows stores to easily sell products over the internet, as well as easily change the products offered via this method.

As mentioned, Danemco has a long list of happy customers. Some of those that you may recognize include:
Flynn Quilt http://www.flynnquilt.com/
Quilt Artist Studio http://www.quiltartistrystudio.com/
Quilter Blogs http://quilterblogs.com/
Superior Threads http://www.superiorthreads.com/

And more examples of customers that they have developed sites for, you can click on this link: http://www.websitesforquilters.com/gallery/2/
Danemco is also hosting several FREE webinars to their newsletter subscribers. I highly recommend you join their free newsletter distribution list, as it really has some great insights to business owners and those considering selling products over the internet. Near term webinars are scheduled June 26th, July 14th , Aug 14th, Sept 23rd and will hopefully continue monthly on a long-term basis.


For more information on Danemco
Danemco, LLC
3002 W. Pancheri
Suite A
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Toll Free: 800.941.0645
International: (USA) 208.528.0561

www.websitesforquilters.com

Safety Tip

This safety tip may be something that you think is quite obvious, but remember when you are in a workshop and sharing tools, it may be easy to overlook the obvious....and place someone and/or a tool at risk.

I was recently in a workshop where I observed a large spark off to the side of me. It was almost like fireworks. Instantly I realized there was an electrical problem, but I wasn't certain what had happened. All the sewing machines had been shutoff, during an unexpected power surge....but what happened?

One of my classmates (easily could have been me) was sharing a cutting mat, with rotary cutter, that was also very close to a portable iron and ironing pad. As fabric had accidently been laid over the electrical cord to the iron, someone cutting fabric accidently cut the electrical cord. And sparks went flying.

We were fortunate. No one was hurt. No machines were hurt. But the cord to the iron was definitely deemed unsafe for future use, and the blade to the rotary cutter has a burnt chip that deems it unusable. Yes, we were all fortunate.



















Lesson learned: Watch out for yourself and others, especially when sharing tools in close working areas. Be sure to keep power cords visible and away from cutting tools.

Price shopping tool for books

I recently came across a site that I found quite helpful for shopping for books and wanted to share. This book search and competitive pricing feature can be quite helpful. It allowed me to quickly look up a book to find the author (whom I wanted to research), plus it provides price information on various stores that sell it.

http://www.addall.com/

Greeting Cards

I love sending and receiving greeting cards. And, while I love handmade things, I don't have the talent (or time) to make a handmade greeting card. But I've come up with something that I enjoy, and I find others enjoy too. And, a collection of these cards make a wonderful gift!

I like to take photos of some of my projects, and especially photos of beautiful quilts, and turn them into greeting cards. Where I live I can take in my camera's photo memory card, USB stick, or a a CD, with my photos to printing kiosks that are located in many Wal-Marts, Longs, Walgreens, Costco, or other stores. And, I also enjoy using on-line printing services, such as www.snapfish.com. I've found all these service providers do a great job and will help you create a special greeting card that will delight the recipient!

Here are a few samples of my favorite greeting cards with beautiful quilts on the cover.

















If you haven't tried making your own greeting card before, I hope you'll take a photo of one of your projects and make a greeting card. And, if you don't have anyone to send a card to....remember I love receiving greeting cards!

Sewline Fabric Marking Pencils

I use fabric markers for quilting, embroidery and my sewing projects. Each project has a different degree of expectations for a marking pencil, but my preference is to have one marking pencil that will meet all my needs.

I like to have a fine tip marker, that doesn't break, yet is able to easily mark straight or curvy lines. And, it MUST come out easily. I'm not one to want to sit there and use an eraser, for a large area, so I prefer something that will come out with a light spray of water, or light turn through the washer.

When I first saw the SewLine Fabric Marking Pencils I thought "they invented this for me". These pencils are absolutely beautiful, with a fine point, and the marking lead comes in five colors at a reasonable price. This pencil has a special ceramic lead where the manufacturers promote the ease of which you can remove markings, by using a built-in eraser, or simply dabbing with some water or washing. Sounds like the perfect marking tool, but is it?








For any new marking tool that I use, I always put it thru a rigid test. I will mark a piece of fabric with ten different straight lines,but different levels of marking. The first line is only marked 1 time, the next line 2 times, and each subsequent line is marked an incremental time through the 10th line which is marked 10 times. I realize that while you may not ever need to mark your fabric so many times, there are situations where you may need to (in small areas). I will also do a few curves, to see how freely the marking device will travel on fabric. Afterwards, I will handwash. If this doesn't work, I will run the test swatches through the washing machine. Lastly, I will tape the fabric swatch to a sunny window and leave it hanging for ~six months. This last step is a test to see if there is any residual chemical on the fabric that may react to sunlight.

I believe that everyone should always test the marking pencils they buy themselves, as everyone has a different level of applying pressure when they mark. And we use different fabrics. But I wanted to let you know what I found through my test.

Ultimately, I like the Sewline Fabric Marking Pencils and all of their 5 colors. But I do believe that some of their colors will work better on certain projects, and may not apply to all areas one may want to use a marking pencil. Keep in mind that the manufacturer cautions that you should lightly mark your material, and also encourages you to test as the results can vary with different fabrics. The manufacturer also provides recommendations for which color to use on which shade of fabric. But I view that careful selection of the color of Sewline Fabric Marking Pencils should also be made with consideration of the project. Those that wash out easily could be used on anything, but obviously the colors that do not wash out easily should only be used on a project that it would not be a problem if the marking pencil does not wash out (e.g. inside of a sewn garment).

I found the red & green colors were the easiest to get out of the fabric, with the grey being the most difficult. I found the built in eraser to work ok for a very light marking, that was small, but not a good removable solution for this marker if you were marking a large area and needed to remove it, or lighten it up to remark. Thus, I recommend this marker but want to emphasize that you should test it before you mark your fabric. Especially if there is a risk that where you are marking, on your fabric, could be visible on your finished product, if it doesn't wash out.

Here is some additional insights on the test I performed on a variety of fabrics and colors:

1) I marked ten straight lines, for each of the 5 colors. The first line was marked one time, next line marked twice.....and last line marked ten times (heavily marked)






























2) I used the eraser on the Sewline Marking pencil to try to erase a lightly marked curve. While it did remove the marking, it was a difficult and time consuming process.















3) I hand washed my test fabrics and observed that the red had completely been removed, the green had been removed on the light markings (but not the heavy markings), and while the other colors were still very visible the grey was the most visible (on all of the ten markings and curves).












































4) I proceeded with my test by running the fabric swatches through my washing machine. To clarify, my ideal fabric marker would not require me to have to do this secondary washing step (one or the other should be sufficient). While some of the markings had more removed, the grey was still visible on all markings.







































I have not yet completed the step where I tape my test fabric to a window with bright sunlight. This is a great test, for those using marking tools on fabrics that will be used in quilting, as over time, quilts may actually be exposed to more sunlight than we realize. And sunlight can often react with any chemical residual that a fabric marking pencil may leave on the fabric. Thus, I'll provide another update in six months to show my results this phase of testing.

Conclusion: Sewline Fabric Marking Pencils is a great marker, especially for those in need of a fine point marker. But use caution on marking your projects, by ensuring you have completed a test swatch first. Remember to "mark lightly" (do not apply much pressure). And using the green or pink lead may be the easiest for you to wash out, but the other colors also work well for many marking situations, but due use caution and pre-test, if you need to be sure these leads will completely disappear after you finish your project and wash it.

http://www.unitednotions.com/un-ss_sewline_0509.pdf

Preparing for a workshop - what to take?

What is the item that we most frequently forget to bring when we go to a class, workshop, retreat or sew-cial? I'm probably the most forgetful sewer that I know. Tomorrow I'm taking a class and I have my car packed with what feels like everything in my sewing room. Still, I worry about what I may have forgotten to pack. It is only a 1 day class and it is inside of a quilt store (where I could buy just about anything in I could think of).

As the rooms are frequently air conditioned, I decided to pack a light jacket. I thought you might like to see it, as I did make it. Would you believe this was a cheap sweatshirt? I get more compliments when I wear this sweatshirt.

I'm planning on writing an article about the instructor who teaches classes in how to make these jackets, along with sharing more insight on how to make your own (if you can't take a class). In the meantime, if you are wondering what to take to your next class, workshop, or retreat....remember to pack a lightweight jacket! And if you have a tailored sweatshirt jacket, you'll be very comfy too!

Become a Bargain Hunter

If you have an open mind and like the hunt, there are many wonderful bargains to be found. You may want to think of yourself as one that likes to sew, quilt, and/or embroider, but someone that does it environmentally!

How can one stretch a budget in these economically challenged times and still enjoy sewing, quilting or doing embroidery? Besides winning contests, buying items on sale or through bonus buys, there are still several ways to continue to have fun with our talents, as well as helping the environment. How you ask? Well, that is what this article is about. I just ask you keep an open mind on the method of sourcing the supplies, and focus on how you can create something spectacular, with a minimal budget (or $0 cost), while helping to save the environment thru recycling. And, if you have more insights, I hope you'll consider sending me an email or posting a comment, to share. After all, the more we can all benefit from the help of others to stimulate the economy with our limited resources.

Here are my insights:

Consider shopping yard sales, thrift shops & estate sales. You can make a beautiful quilt from wool shirts, cotton shirts, jeans, and even old ties. I've even seen situations where new, high quality sewing machine needles, were sold for $0.50 a package! And quilting rulers, bags of machine embroidery thread, or bags of zippers for $1. All great deals that help stetch our budgets! Remember clothes, or bags, from these sources can look fantastic after you've added some machine embroidery designs and or other bling.

Take advantage of free patterns, or machine embroidery designs. They make a great way to reduce the expense of making a lovely item.

Spend more time building on your skills and growing your talent! Take time to read a tutorial on the web. Look for a project that can be created from your sewing stash, yet push you to do something creative you don't normally do.

Check out your local Adult Ed programs, as they frequently have free, or very inexpensive classes for quilting, sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.

Host a sew-cial with friends. Organize a swap (quilt blocks, embroidered projects, etc.). Essentially focus on using items in your stash, and if you don't like what you have in your stash, consider trading with others. And, if you don't have much in your stash, consider what else you have to trade with those that do have something you might like (e.g. bake cookies, trade for sewing time, etc.).

Remember, to challenge yourself to be creative and it doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money to pursue this challenge. Focus on being green and pursuing the hunt and creativity in an economical manner! Continue to remind yourself that the best things in life are free.

Quilterblogs.com

There are many websites designed specifically for those that are interested in quilting, but for many there are so many sites that the internet can be overwhelming. Thus, I want to share my insight with you on a particular site that can serve as a very useful tool. Useful for many of us interested in quilting: general quilter, quilt blogger, quilt shop owner, and those dependant on web sales for their quilt business.

The Quilterblogs is a wonderful website that helps us get connected to bloggers who like to quilt, as well as where quilters may want to shop. And, it is free. Yes, free to use and free to promote your business! Owners of quilt related websites simply need to submit a request to be linked to this site. Quiltersblogs.com has search functionality that searches over 400+ blogs daily to create a summary of several blogs, with an easy to use link to get to these blogs for more insights. Likewise, it has a easy to use index of over 250 quilt stores that you can search to see if they have a specific item, or you can search for a particular quilt store in a specific location.

I highly recommend that you check this site out. I have been having fun reading Quilterblogs on a daily basis. And it is now the first place I check to find a quilt store in a particular area.

I’ve also had fun learning so many wonderful things out about Quilterblogs that I’m planning on writing more about them in the near future. I hope you’ll check back to learn more about why I think they are so wonderful.


www.quilterblogs.com